Moving to Austin - Rent (Round Rock, Cedar Park: fit in, apartment complex, lease)

[lily98765]

Hi!
I am considering moving to austin this summer but I still do not know where. I have three children (20 (college), 18 (college), 14 (high school)), and I am really concerned with education and safe neighborhood. I have also started some research ( read also the posts concerning questions about relocating), and found houses for rent to own incredibly huge and not that expensive ( but those adds in craigslist don't show the area's name)
As my research did not lead to anything I have some questions

Where do you think I can find a 4br house for $1500/m rent (or may be less for a place with good high-school where they don't have problems with drugs)?
In which area can you find houses that matches with this post (or similar)
http://austin.craigslist.org/apa/1170901671.html ?

Thank you so much in advance for your time, help and answers !!!

P.S: I am from Sterling VA
P.S 2:if you need more information to answer, please feel free to ask.

[atxcio]

Some of those craigslist ads are terribly misleading... like the one you quoted. First off, the pics look like an apartment complex not a house... second, no address or even part of town is given -- too vague -- they just want to lure you in and they'll show you whatever properties they have available. Third, the 800 number.

Look for real addresses in the ads, local numbers, and then call/map those listings. You can get a little idea of what the place will look like with Google Streetview, but nothing beats actually visiting.

As for the "details" given, where can you find a 1700 sq ft home, near greenbelt, on a .27 acre lot in Austin for $1100 a month? Many places. 1700 sq ft would probably be a little older, like 15+ years old. Perhaps places like Anderson Mill / Far NW Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, South Austin, etc. Which would be best? Probably depends on where you are going to be working.

[TexasHorseLady]

Note that that ad mentioned houses in all states.

[TexasHorseLady]

A quick search of the MLS turns up houses of that size in that price range in a variety of areas, but you might want to look in Cedar Park, Round Rock, and there's even one today in Village of Western Oaks. There's also a handful in the NW MLS area that are in the Round Rock School District.

Where are you likely to be working, do you know? That would help a bit in guiding you towards the best area for you.

[lily98765]

Thank you for your answers! I do not work (stay-at-home mother, and some community work), but I'd like to live in a nice place close to shoppings, buses, librairies...
I read about Westlake HS and I really want my daughter to go there, but I don't know if West lake hills or rollingwood is affordable. One of my two other sons is transfering to UT, and the other is going to a ACC, but I guess they will have to find new part time job (I don't give pocket money anymore)

[atxcio]

Originally Posted by lily98765

Thank you for your answers! I do not work (stay-at-home mother, and some community work), but I'd like to live in a nice place close to shoppings, buses, librairies...
I read about Westlake HS and I really want my daughter to go there, but I don't know if West lake hills or rollingwood is affordable. One of my two other sons is transfering to UT, and the other is going to a ACC, but I guess they will have to find new part time job (I don't give pocket money anymore)

Single-family homes in Westlake/Rollingwood will be much pricier than $1100 to rent. However, there are duplexes in the area which rent for about that much. For proximity to shopping and buses, though, NW Austin (like Anderson Mill) would probably work better. I think that is RRISD / Westwood HS.

[TexasHorseLady]

Well, those are pricey neighborhoods. However, on the MLS today, there are 3 duplexes in the Westlake school district that fit into your price range with 3 bedrooms. The houses for lease start at $1850 and quickly move upwards from that.

[lily98765]

I am taking notes. I also don't mind to go to RR, but in greatschool.com the HS is not really good ranked ( I am going to see westwood HS profile...)
Please what you think about the area with this zip code 78724? What is it? Thanks